Ansar purchases another local business; Lewisport continues growth
Mafa Ansar immigrated to Vancouver in 2002 from Sri Lanka, and moved to Glasgow in Barren County in 2004 while studying at Western Kentucky University. He opened his first business in 2009, and is heavily involved in civic activities in Barren and Hart counties.
Mafaz Ansar, the owner of Bill’s IGA, has purchased Powers Express in Hawesville. Ansar confirmed the purchase to the Clarion late last week.
When asked about the interest in Hancock County for his expanding business interests, Ansar said his focus is on opportunity and potential success.
“For me, it’s not so much about a place as it is about opportunity,” Ansar said. “It’s never been about a particular place, but more about the environment and a situation where I believe the business can be successful and grow. I like Hancock County and the community very much.”
Ansar is a businessman from Elizabethtown with business interests throughout southern and central Kentucky, including convenience stores, motels, and the recent purchase of the Hardin Mall property in Radcliff.
The mall property is 30 acres and is currently home to a Dollar General store. Ansar says plans are underway to develop an Ace Hardware Store at that property.
Ansar said any talk about other business purchases in the county is only conjecture.
“I think the projects going right now are more than enough,” Ansar said. With ongoing business interests and development, the businessman stays extremely busy.
He is developing another 24,000-square-foot building on the Hardin Mall property, with the initial tenant being a fitness center, according to The News Enterprise of Elizabethtown.
Ansar will call the new development Ansar Plaza.
Ansar is active in the communities where he owns businesses, with experience serving on Chamber of Commerce Boards and Tourism Development Boards.
During the purchase of Bill’s IGA, Ansar said he was committed to the communities where he builds his businesses, as well as supporting the local workforce.
Ansar immigrated to North America from Sri Lanka, and has lived in the United States longer than in his native home. He is married with two children, and bought his first business in Glasgow in 2009.
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The city of Lewisport is experiencing a bit of business boom, as well, with Jesus Romo recently opening a restaurant next door to his Blue Agave Tavern on 4th Street.
The tavern will host its first car show, beer garden and live music event on April 29. Hours at the tavern are 2 p.m. until 10 p.m.
The Romos also own Los Amigos in Tell City.
Additional developments in Lewisport are taking place on U.S. 60 at its intersection with 4th Street. Initial information is that the Fred’s Pharmacy location has been sold for development, while adjacent lot between First Financial Bank and Los Napoles Mexican Restaurant will be developed into a convenience type store. The Clarion is working to confirm the actual developers of the projects.
By C. Josh Givens
